I am Rana Alnasir-Boulos, Chairperson of the Global Women Forum (GWF) and Director Business Development of the EITEP Institute to which GWF belongs, dedicated to fostering leadership, empowerment, and opportunities for women and youth across the globe. With over a decade of experience in leadership, intercultural training, and public speaking, I have worked tirelessly to bridge cultures, industries, and generations to create platforms where women can thrive. Through initiatives like the World Woman Leader Award, I recognize and support women driving meaningful change. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to mentoring, inspiring, and equipping the next generation of leaders to confidently pursue their goals and redefine global leadership.
Here are the key highlights from the interview:
Can you share your professional journey and what inspired you to become a global advocate for women’s empowerment and leadership?
My professional journey has spanned leadership roles, cross-cultural training, and advocacy for women in business, STEM, and public policy. I was inspired to become a global advocate for women’s empowerment after witnessing the untapped potential of women and youth, particularly in regions where cultural and structural barriers limit their opportunities. My mission has always been to create platforms, networks, and initiatives that enable women to lead, innovate, and influence decision-making on a global scale.
As the Chairperson of the Global Women Forum, what is your vision for empowering women and youth worldwide?
As Chairperson of GWF, my vision is to empower women and youth worldwide by providing mentorship, education, and networking opportunities, while bridging the gap between industries, cultures, and generations. I aim to create an inclusive ecosystem where women can access resources, knowledge, and support to grow as leaders and agents of change.
Through initiatives such as the World Woman Leader Award, how do you recognize and support women leaders making an impact globally?
The World Woman Leader Award celebrates women who are driving meaningful impact in their communities and industries. By highlighting their achievements, sharing their stories, and connecting them with global networks, we aim to inspire other women to pursue leadership roles and create positive change.
As an intercultural trainer, how important is cultural understanding and diversity in building strong global leadership?
As an intercultural trainer, I strongly believe that cultural understanding and diversity are essential for building strong global leadership. Leaders who embrace diverse perspectives can foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation while creating inclusive environments that empower all voices to be heard.
You are also a public speaker. How do you use speaking platforms to inspire change and motivate women to pursue leadership roles?
Through public speaking, I use platforms to share insights, experiences, and strategies that motivate women to step into leadership roles with confidence. Speaking engagements allow me to challenge norms, highlight success stories, and inspire women and youth to pursue careers and initiatives that can transform industries and communities.
What challenges have you faced while advocating for women’s leadership, and what lessons have these experiences taught you?
Advocating for women’s leadership comes with challenges, including overcoming systemic biases and cultural barriers. These experiences have taught me the importance of persistence, empathy, and collaboration, as well as the power of building networks that amplify voices and create lasting impact.
What advice would you give to young women who aspire to become leaders and create meaningful change in their communities and industries?
To young women aspiring to lead, I would say: believe in your vision, embrace your unique strengths, and seek out mentors and networks that support your growth. Take initiative, challenge conventions, and remember that true leadership is not just about personal success, but about uplifting others and creating opportunities for meaningful change.
